7 Keys To Writing Successful Articles
by Jason Potash
Are you writing articles?
I know. You've already heard it 100 times before. The
question is not IF you're writing articles, but WHAT
you're actually writing. Simply throwing a bunch of
words together isn't going to get
you very far.
Here's a blueprint that outlines the 7 keys to writing
successful articles. Follow the 7 keys and you're
guaranteed to get more exposure with your articles.
Key #1: Choose a HOT Topic
You'll need to do a little research on this one. If
you're already in touch with the target market for your
article, this should come easy. Research, spy, observe.
Do whatever it takes to understand your target market.
What issues are hot? What topics currently appear
within top ezines, messageboards, ebooks?
It's also a good idea to frequently visit article
directories and content sites. These sites contain
curren articles on a variety of popular topics. Here's
a shortlist:
http://ezinearticles.com
http://www.certificate.net/wwio/
http://www.ideamarketers.com
http://www.marketing-seek.com
http://www.goarticles.com
http://www.netterweb.com
To receive a list of the top 20 article directories,
send a blank e-mail to: mailto:top20@demandmail.com
Click here AOL
users!Key #2: Choose a "Magnetic" Title
Magnetic title? That's right. Your article title is
your headline. If it doesn't pull the reader into the
article, nothing will. Just think ... what if I called
this article:
"Writing Articles"
"Tips For Article Publishing"
"What It Takes To Write An Article"
See what I mean? These don't pack much "punch", do
they?
Your title is just like a classified ad. Look at it
this way. If your article title is crowded on a webpage
with 100 others, what will make it jump off the page?
Key #3: Use The AIDA Principle
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action
This universal formula applies to your articles as
well. Once you've enticed your reader to read your
article (via a great title), you need to keep them
reading.
The first paragraph of your article is critical. If
it's dull, boring and lifeless, your reader will surely
bail out. You must keep their interest right from the
start. Try using short paragraphs, sentences and words.
This will keep the tempo upbeat and make your article
much easier to read (or skim, as most do online).
Key #4: Create Several Sub-Headings
To better organize your thoughts, divide your article
into sub-headings. At times, writing a 500-700 word
article can seem insurmountable. Sub-headings make
things easier. Instead of tackling the entire article
at once, try writing one paragraph at a time.
Key #5: "Close The Sale" With A Resource Box
One of the worst things you can do is to leave your
reader hanging. They've just read your great article,
now what? A resource box appears at the very end of
your article. It's the last line that your reader sees.
It's your chance to set the next step.
Make sure that your resource box is compelling. Make
the reader jump over to your website, sign up for your
ezine, download your latest ebook, claim their free
gift -- get creative!
Key #6: Poofread Your Work
Did you catch that? It should've read, "Proofread".
Nothing hollers out amateur, newbie, or just plain
unprofessional than an article filled with typos and
bad grammar. If you don't have an English major in the
family, hire a proofreader. Their rates are reasonable
and they can save you from damaging your reputation
online.
Key #7 - Promote, promote, promote
Let's make one thing clear. Without key #7, keys 1-6
are a waste of time. Bottom line, no one will read your
article if you keep it stored on a floppy disk in your
desk.
You've got to promote it!
How can you promote your article? There are well over a
hundred article directories, article banks, free
content sites, article announcement lists, and article
syndication services out there. And the best part is
... 95% of them are FREE!
Plus, there are thousands of ezines that are looking
for article submissions. Develop a list of ezines in
your target market. Next, e-mail each ezine publisher a
copy of your latest article. There are countless
stories of individuals who have succeeded using this
exact same approach.
Wouldn't you like to get your next article picked up by
an ezine with 32,000 subscribers?
Now go on, and get writing!
_______________________________________________________
Jason Potash is dedicated to helping ezine publishers
become more successful. Get his free 4-part mini-
course. Learn the 7 keys to sucking in ezine
subscribers faster than a "Hoover" vacuum! Send a blank
email to mailto:7keyscourse@demandmail.com
Click here
AOL users!| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
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